Harley-Davidson V-Rod Muscle - Rode Test
Maverick - Nov 4, 2010

As I walk up to this 2011 V-Rod Muscle, it sits quietly, unassuming, waiting as if to say “who will pick me for the next ride??” This V-Rod Muscle emanates the confidence and self-assurance infused into it by a team of H-D engineers and designers when designing and building the first V-Rod in the late nineties through 2001.   One is visually taken by the Revolution engine and hydroformed frame, which immediately captures a rider’s imagination with anticipation of moving right onto the saddle.           

This photo by Harley-Davidson...

The bike sits low to the ground at 25.6 inches, but appears even lower with its stretched out profile. 

Compact and built to move quickly down the highway, this powerful and aggressive motorcycle is built for riders who want a little extra horsepower. Big air scoops, bold mufflers on each side, 240 mm rear tire, fastback-style tail section, and massive airbox compliment the power of the 1250 cc liquid-cooled Revolution engine.

Start it and it purrs like a kitten…ride it and it roars like a lion! 

The V-Rod Muscle for this Rode Test was provided by Sun Harley-Davidson and Harley-Davidson Motor Company.  

The V-Rod tested by this Cycle Matters editor was White Hot Denim with a silver-gray accent stripe along the backbone. The remainder of the bike was chrome, polished steel aluminum and black.  

Other color options include: Chrome Yellow, Vivid Black and Brilliant Silver Pearl. 

The V-Rod Muscle comes with straight shot dual exhausts, with a crossover, one on each side of the bike. Additionally, the Muscle features a unique air-box with mock-up air-rams.

The rear fender is chopped with LED combined stoplight, taillight, and turn signals integrated within rear light assembly.

Front LED turn signals are integrated into the rear-view mirror stems, a first as a stock feature on a Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

• White Hot Denim, color-matched radiator shrouds
• Black frame
• Satin chrome dual exhaust with turn-out mufflers
• Polished forged aluminum triple clamps
• Long (92.8 in.) and low (Seat Height 25.6 to 26.7 in.) 
• Broad shouldered airbox
• Aggressive look…inverted front forks
• Silver, Five-Spoke Cast Aluminum wheels
• Sport front fender with black brace supports and blacked-out rear section
• Polished aluminum handlebar with integrated riser
  

• Satin black headlamp bucket
• Side-mounted license plate
• Stylized rear shocks with black springs

While riding the V-Rod Muscle, the operator has three places to look: the road ahead, the environment around you, and the instrument panel at the center of the handlebar. 

The tachometer, speedometer, fuel gauge with low fuel warning light, and indicator lights for oil pressure, engine charge, high beam, turn signals, security system (optional), coolant temperature, engine incident light, and neutral are configured with-in an 8 inch oval at the center of the internally wired, 1.5” angular cast handlebar. You need only move your eyes slightly to read everything available to you about the operation of the motorcycle.  

While the V-Rod deviates substantially from other Harley-Davidson models in appearance and technology, the operator controls are no different than other Harley motorcycles. Clutch, left turn signal, high-beam/low-beam, and horn are operated with the left hand. The right hind manages front brake, right turn signal, kill switch and start button. All very intuitive and very simple! Turn signals are self-canceling as with all other Harley-Davidson motorcycles.  

Controls are intuitive, convenient, and configured to facilitate safe operation of the motorcycle 

First introduced in dealer showrooms in 2002, the V-Rod has developed quite a reputation for power, speed, handling and performance. Now, with even more power, the 2011 V-Rod Muscle adds to that legacy. It is not a racing bike, but it goes very fast, very quickly. 

There is sufficient, ok…awesome, power to mobilize the V-Rod Muscle in a controlled manner onto any road surface and at any grade. Highway conditions are easy to manage in higher gears, and there is power to spare if it becomes necessary to accelerate: i.e., gather the horses under rider to change lanes or position in traffic.  When riding conditions dictate; a lower gear and higher revs are easy to come by.  Shift down, roll on the throttle, and you have made your move.  

We rode the V-Rod Muscle on city streets, country roads, and Interstate. The motorcycle handles with ease and rides better than expected; meaning it handles better than, or equal to, any of the cruisers we’ve ridden. At 640 lbs, and with a low center of gravity, it is very easy to maneuver in traffic or any other conditions we encountered during our ride. The Muscle leans into curves and with the 240mm rear wheel firmly planted on the road surface, the bike feels stable and glides effortlessly mile after mile.

The Muscles ample rubber, high-performance Brembo triple-disc brakes, and race-bred slip and assist clutch for downshifting means slowing or stopping is equally effortless.

• Liquid-cooled, Revolution®, 60° V-Twin, 1250cc (~123 Hp)
• Engine Torque: North America 86 ft. lbs. @ 6500 RPM
• Valves: Overhead cam, 4 valves per cylinder, solid tappet with shim-under-bucket lash adjustment
• Bore x Stroke: 4.134 in. x 2.835 in. (105 mm x 72 mm)
• Displacement: 76.28 cu. in. (1250 cc)
• Compression Ratio: 11.5:1
• Coolant Capacity 2.5 qts.
• Fuel System: Electronic Sequential Port Fuel Injection (ESPFI)
• Air Cleaner: Down draft intake
• Lubrication System: Wet-sump, integrated with powertrain crankcase
• Oil Capacity (w/filter) 5.0 qts.
• Fuel
  • Capacity: 5 gallons
  • Economy: 34/42 mpg

• Frame Steel perimeter upper frame with hydroformed main rails and bolt-on lower frame rails; MIG welded
• Swingarm: Polished, one-piece cast aluminum Front Forks 43 mm Inverted
• Rear Shocks: Preload adjustable
• Wheels: Black, 5-Spoke Cast Aluminum
  • Front 19 in. x 3 in. (483 mm x 76 mm)
  • Rear 18 in. x 8 in. (457 mm x 203 mm)
• Tires (Michelin® Scorcher™ “11” front and rear):
  • Front – Scorcher™ “11” 120/70ZR-19 60W
  • Rear – Scorcher™ “11” 240/40R-18 79V

• High-performance Brembo® triple-disc brakes:
  
  • Caliper Type 4-piston front and rear
  • Rotor Type (diameter x width): Patented, one-piece floating rotor (front), uniform expansion rotor (rear)
  • Front (dual) 11.81 in. x .2 in. (300 mm x 5 mm)
  • Rear 11.81 in. x .28 in. (300 mm x 7 mm)
  • Anti-lock Braking System (option) Available
• Suspension Travel:
  • Front Wheel 4 in. (102 mm)
  • Rear Wheel 2.9 in. (74 mm)

• Deep, drag-style two-up seat
• 1.5” angular cast handlebar
• Forward-mounted foot pegs and foot controls
• Suspension
• Instrumentation and controls

The V-Rod Muscle came onto the scene in 2009, but its history goes back to 1995, when a team of H-D engineers and designers began putting their heads together to create a Harley-Davidson with speed and performance thresholds that could compete with metric and American “muscle” bikes. The research and development process resulted in new engine, frame, technology, and new manufacturing processes. 

The V-Rod Muscle is for performance enthusiasts who crave power and control. By way of illustration: as of the date this Rode Test is published, Andrew Hines is NHRA Pro Stock Motorcycle points leader while riding a Harley-Davidson Screamin’ Eagle V-Rod. Eddie Krawiec is third in the standings on an identical bike.

At a recent demo event, we watched and interviewed several V-Rod muscle riders while they waited in line for the Muscle’s availability. Prior to their ride, new riders had a look of anticipation. After the ride, many found it hard to express their experience, because it was hard to talk with faces locked into a smile.  

In the event there are service issues with the motorcycle, it is covered with a 24-month unlimited mileage warranty that comes standard with the bike.  

As with all Harley-Davidson motorcycles, customizing options are available for the Muscle. The Security Package, including factory-installed Harley-Davidson Smart Security System with hands-free FOB, and Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS), are features that not only add convenience, but also safety to owning and riding this motorcycle. 

The Muscle is a work of art that will provide mile after mile of motorcycling adventure!!